55 
to 1875 they were killed at the rate of two and one-half mil- 
lions a year. 
No. 17.— THE FOX AND WOLF PENS. 
The Red Fox {Vulpes fuhms) ranges in large numbers 
from the Carolinas northward into Canada, and from the 
Atlantic coast to the Missouri river. It is subject to much 
variation — the Cross Fox {Vulpes fulvus var. decussata), a 
beautiful animal marked with two black stripes crossing each 
other on the shoulders, found from Canada into New York, 
and occasionally Pennsylvania, and the Silver Fox {Vulpes 
fulvus var. argentatus'), found sparingly in the North-western 
States — both being permanent and well-marked varieties. 
The latter is known by the beautiful and expensive furs which 
are made from its skin. 
The Gray Fox ( Vulpes virginianus) has a complete range 
throughout the United States, increasing in numbers towards 
the south, where it gradually replaces the Red Fox, which it 
much resembles in mode of life. 
The Kit or Swift Fox {Vulpes velox) is the smallest of 
American Foxes, and is confined to the plains of the West. 
The Arctic Fox {Vulpes lagopus) is common to the Polar 
regions of the North. Like many species which inhabit those 
regions where the ground is covered by snow for a large part 
of the year, the fur of the Arctic Fox changes from a lead- 
brown color to white at the approach of winter. This pro- 
vision of nature causes it to be less conspicuous against the 
snow and ice which surround it, and greatly aids it in obtain- 
ing food, as well as in escaping the necessity of serving as 
food to swifter and more powerful animals. 
The Great Gray Wolf {Canis occidentalis var. griseo- 
albd) is the largest of American Wolves, and formerly ranged 
over the whole United States and Canada. The settlement 
of the country has, however, driven them, with other noxious 
beasts, to the more secluded forests and plains, where they 
